Product Quality Manager - Co-Manufacturing

About the Company

Based in Seattle, SkinnyDipped was established by a mother and daughter duo alongside close friends, motivated by the value of spending quality time with loved ones. The company crafts thinly dipped chocolate almonds that are both healthy and delightfully tasty. Proudly women-led, SkinnyDipped is committed to making nutritious and delicious snacks that benefit both the consumer and their well-being.

Our Mission: We aim to create snacks that nurture both body and soul, believing everyone deserves access to clean, nutritious, and delicious food. As a women-founded entity, we dedicate ourselves to empowering women and children in local and global communities, ensuring no child lacks love or nourishment.

Position Overview

The Product Quality Manager for Co-Manufacturing is responsible for protecting SkinnyDipped's brand integrity through strict quality program controls. This role emphasizes direct supervision and cooperation with contract manufacturing partners, requiring up to 60% on-site presence at manufacturing locations and 40% remote work. The incumbent will foster a mindset of continuous improvement and exemplify strong verbal and written communication skills to guarantee that policies and procedures meet industry-leading standards. Staying informed about regulatory requirements relevant to the industry and company products is also expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily quality controls at external manufacturing partners, serving as the primary quality contact and enforcing standards.
• Travel to both domestic and international co-manufacturer facilities as necessary.
• Communicate quality expectations, specifications, and procedures clearly with partner manufacturers.
• Monitor product quality with co-manufacturers, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate on best practices compliance.
• Lead regular quality meetings and keep abreast of co-manufacturer production schedules.
• Track and report performance metrics related to product quality internally.
• Define and apply product non-conformance criteria, manage reports, analyze production compliance, and lead investigations into quality issues or customer complaints with root-cause analysis.
• Maintain traceability systems and lot-code hold protocols.
• Update and improve the Quality Systems Manual, policies, and procedures, and utilize quality data trends to drive continuous improvements.
• Ensure adherence to both internal and external quality standards and monitor consumer complaint data.
• Manage supplier approval processes, maintain supplier documentation, and verify ingredient and material supplier compliance.
• Handle third-party certifications such as Non-GMO, Kosher, and Fair Trade, ensuring all products and processes meet relevant regulatory requirements.
• Maintain quality documentation and enforce document control procedures, support sales with customer-facing materials, maintain packaging specifications, and manage customer portals.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and shelf-life testing to uphold product integrity and consistency over time.
• Support new product launches by ensuring quality requirements are met and assist with transitioning development products to finished goods.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams on formula changes, product commercialization, complaint management, packaging changes, and documentation requirements.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Food Science or a related scientific field; Master's degree is advantageous.
• Experience working with large consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands as well as challenger brands.
• Self-directed with strong accountability for managing time effectively.
• Certifications required include HACCP, with PCQI and BRC/SQF Practitioner certifications considered a plus.
• Strong skills in sensory evaluation and a genuine passion for food products.
• Proficient in PC skills, including Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across different functional teams.
• Excellent analytical capabilities with an ability to interpret manufacturing data.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary with an annual performance-based bonus.
• Opportunity for equity participation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Additional perks including wellness and technology stipends.
• A dynamic, entrepreneurial work atmosphere with a positive and supportive culture.

Additional Information

SkinnyDipped is a successful female-founded company that embodies grit, determination, and innovation. The company embraces bold ideas and continuous experimentation, fostering a culture that is unafraid to challenge norms and invest time and resources to improve products and processes. Employees are encouraged to bring conviction and pursue new approaches in a supportive environment that values creativity and resilience.